Do you feel that a new job wouldn’t satisfy your itch for new scenery, challenges and experiences? If this is the case, it may worth considering a new industry altogether.

Such a move can be daunting. There is a great deal of uncertainty that comes with going from an industry in which you feel like an expert to one where you’ll be a novice all over again. It can seem like you’re tossing away years of hard-earned experience.

But if starting from scratch carries a certain appeal for you — or if your urge to move on is simply undeniable — then it’s probably time for a change. Before you make your move, however, here are three steps to consider.

Re-evaluate

You must determine if a career move is something you really want or just a fleeting fancy. We can all fall into ruts at work, so ask yourself whether or not your current job is worth salvaging.

Take into consideration how you and your family will adapt to the changes. Moving from one industry to another isn’t as simple as moving from one job to the next. It takes a lot of learning and patience to be well versed in areas that are new to you.

If you decide it’s best to dip your feet into new waters to reinvent both yourself and your career, the best way to start is to follow your interests, use your current skills and see how your network can help you get to the next step.

Research

Resist the urge to jump in headfirst. Take some time to get a better understanding of yourself as a professional, including your strengths and weaknesses, before reaching out.

Figure out how your existing skills can be transferred to your selected industry. On a communications front, determine your strengths and how to highlight them. On a technical front, find out if there is any crossover that may assuage the fears of hiring managers.

Also consider your desired sector’s job market and identify any instability in the industry. Then figure out how you can provide value. By conducting this research beforehand, you’ll be putting yourself in a better position of being knowledgeable in the field.

Rebrand

This is your shot at making your professional identity brand new. There are a number of tools you can use to rebrand yourself, but the most powerful one today social media.

Follow big names in your desired industry, learn the jargon, monitor the trends and continually build your budding network. Undoubtedly, rebranding will be a work in progress and your expertise will grow over time, but you should strive to come across as an expert in the field.

The more you show off your newly acquired knowledge — along with the expertise you already have in your current profession — the easier it will be for hiring managers to see your passion and suitability for the sector you have your sights set on.

This article was written by Megan Santos of Jobpostings.ca, Canada’s largest student job network helping post-secondary students find their internships, co-ops and entry-level jobs to launch their careers. Follow them @Jobpostingsca.